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Introduction to Linux - A Hands on Guide

This guide was created as an overview of the Linux Operating System, geared toward new users as an exploration tour and getting started guide, with exercises at the end of each chapter.
For more advanced trainees it can be a desktop reference, and a collection of the base knowledge needed to proceed with system and network administration. This book contains many real life examples derived from the author's experience as a Linux system and network administrator, trainer and consultant. They hope these examples will help you to get a better understanding of the Linux system and that you feel encouraged to try out things on your own.

I've just switched my internet provider. The new one has a cable modem that is working in default bridge mode. The idea is to connect just one PC, and sure enough, it works.
If I connect my XP laptop and leave lan settings on automatic, I get an IP, dns, and gateway right away.

But, I have a small LAN and I use ubuntu box as a router, before I've also used slackware, both with pppoe connection. This time I need the card to get the IP using DHCP, just like it works 'out of the box' with XP machine.

I've tried putting this in my etc/network/interface file:

auto eth1
iface eth1 inet dhcp

but it didn't work.

Since I still have an old internet provider active, I've tried using the modem/router from that one to see if I would get an IP, and I did.

So, my conclusion is that the I need to somehow tweak the dhcp client in ubuntu (fresh install 12.1 server) to work with this modem (like it does with XP pc), but I have no idea how to even start troubleshooting this and fix it.

Can anyone help me?

I'm not a complete newbie, but I'm far from being a guru, so a detailed help would be great.

Typically cable ISPs will only provide one IP address based upon the MAC of the device connect to the MODEM. When switching boxes are you resetting power on the MODEM?

That was exactly it!! I actually figured it out last night. why the f*ck haven't they told me that, it could have saved ma so much time.
I've installed the box at least 3 times during the last day and a half. Couple of ubuntu servers, one slackware...but the box just wouldn't
get the ip form DHCP since the first machine I plug in was my XP laptop - I did it for a test when the guy form the provider was at my place.

Still angry...

First, before ordering internet from them, I insisted that the modem/router needs to be capable of working in bridge mode - they said: 'no problem'. The modem/router that they (provider) brought with them couldn't go into bridge mode - I spent at least 3 hours with him trying things out, talking to his colleagues on the phone - finally they found someone who actually understood what I was talking about. He suggested I take this cheaper modem that has ONLY bridge mode. I told him about my setup and everything, he really could have told me about modem locking to a first PC MAC.

Anyway, the problem was never in my box, but in modem itself. As soon as I turn the power of and on again, the box got it's IP right away.